From: Harvey Newstrom (mail@HarveyNewstrom.com)
Date: Fri May 03 2002 - 09:17:32 MDT
On Friday, May 3, 2002, at 10:31 am, Amara Graps wrote:
> This is a large claim, and I wonder if you are using 'scientists' too
> broadly. I have never heard of fraudulent research papers and
> falsified scientific reports in the science fields that I've
> personally worked in during the last 20 years (planetary science,
> infrared astronomy, ultraviolet astronomy, atmospheric science,
> numerical analysis). Of course some exist, but I believe that they are
> rare cases.
Medicine, pharmaceuticals, drugs, and biotech in general are full of
biased studies that can't be replicated. Some meta-studies conclude
that most "studies" come out the way the funders desire them and almost
never match opponent's studies. There are ethical discussions in the
scientific journals about the problems of false science and how to
detect them. Most publishing organizations are convinced that screening
out falsified reports is becoming increasingly difficult.
Computer technology and IT in general are full of overblown claims and
exaggerated performance numbers. More product announcements fail to
materialize than ever reach the market. Companies are competing on
vaporware futures that aren't even prototyped yet.
Global warming and weather are so politicized that it is not clear how
much real science is going on.
I think astronomy and physics are special cases because they are so
observable and the math is verifiable. Experimental sciences are not
immediately verifiable or reviewable, and may take years to determine if
they are true.
These are not new problems. Older anthropological theories are now
being overturned because later research shows little relationship
between them and reality. The anthropologists just selectively gathered
data for their own theory. It is now well known that the founder of
Mensa falsified the famous twin studies by deliberately ignoring cases
that didn't fit his theories.
More and more, science is becoming big business controlled by
corporations. Market spin and competitive claims are overshadowing real
science and peer review. Maybe astronomy and physics aren't competing
to sell their products, but in the marketplace of science media hype
sells more than boring data.
-- Harvey Newstrom, CISSP <www.HarveyNewstrom.com> Principal Security Consultant <www.Newstaff.com>
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